Our verdict deemed Suicide Squad to be more of a missed opportunity than an out-an-out calamity, particularly when you factor in the A-list cast that featured the likes of Will Smith, Margot Robbie and Jared Leto.

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But if the critical consensus had any impact on general excitement, it didn’t show – not yet, at least – with Fandango reporting that advance ticket sales for Ayer’s villainous ensemble piece have stormed past the records previously set by Guardians of the Galaxy and last year’s rap drama, Straight Outta Compton. Pre-release buzz is palpable, then, and all signs point to Suicide Squad going on to enjoy an opening weekend to the tune of $140 million.

How and ever, you may recall the “historic” second-week drop-off that affected Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice five months ago – ticket sales plummeted close to 81 percent from Friday to Friday – which doesn’t exactly bode well for the longevity of Warner’s stylish spinoff. But let’s reserve judgement until those box office figures start pouring in over the coming weeks and months.

Suicide Squad will finally have its time in the Sun on Friday, August 5.